BCCI pays tribute to Laxman

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) paid a glowing tribute to VVS Laxman after the stylish and charismatic Indian batsman announced his retirement from Test Cricket on Saturday.

Laxman will not take part in the upcoming 2-Test series against New Zealand.

The Indian Board was full of praise for the Hyderabadi batsman saying that he had got India out of trouble in difficult and tricky situations on an innumerable number of occasions with ultimate ease and calmness, which personified Laxman's character.

He was a special 4th innings player and illustrated that with some memorable innings during his 16 year career.

Known for his elegance and sublime wrist-work, he becomes the 4th Indian stalwart to retire in recent years after Kumble, Ganguly and Dravid.

"Not many batsmen made batting look as easy as VVS Laxman. He was an exceptional cricketer, who excelled in pressure situations. The classic innings that he essayed in crisis situations shaped the history of Indian cricket, none more so than the 281 against Australia at Kolkata in 2001," BCCI president N. Srinivasan said in a statement.

"If a cricketer's greatness is to be measured in terms of his performances against the best opposition of his time, then Laxman stands right at the top. His record against Australia, the world's No. 1 team for the better part of his career, speaks for itself."

Srinivasan said Laxman will be missed and wished him luck for the future. "Indian cricket lovers, and the game of cricket itself, will miss him for the elegance and grace that he epitomized, on and off the field. On behalf of the BCCI, I would like to wish VVS Laxman all the best for the future," he added.